SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS
ON THE
NUMBER
og 15 Jt
LIFE OF CHRIST
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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS
ON THE
LIFE OF CHRIST
For Senior Classes
FIRST QUARTER, 1 *39 S).
INTRODUCTION.
SINCE
the days of Abraham, the promises of God to men have
been confined to the "Seed of Abraham." The record tells us
that the promises were not to the
seeds—or
natural descendants
of Abraham—but to, and through,
one Seed,
who is Christ. Gal.
3: 16, 29.
While in
the fleshly line
Christ was to be counted as the
"seed" of Abraham, in His
divinity
He was
before
Abraham
(John 8:58), and was therefOre his Lord and Saviour, the same
as He is (Mrs. But the fact that Christ was to be born in the flesh
of Abraham's seed, and so to become possessor of the " promised
land," made it necessary for Him to be born
in that land,
from
whence was to flow to all nations the promised blessings to Abra-
ham's seed. Gal. 3 :
7-9, 13,
1
4-
The scenes of the life of Christ are therefore confined to the
land of " Canaan," also termed Palestine. Allowing these names
to apply to the entire territory covered by the twelve tribes of
Israel, it embraces a sort of parallelogram of country with an area
of nearly
12,000
square miles, or a territory about the size of
Massachusetts and Connecticut combined. If, however, we con-
fine Palestine to the country between the Mediterranean Sea and
the Jordan River, between Mount Lebanon on the north, and the
desert on the south, as is often done, we contract it to about 6,600
( 3 )
4
LIFE OF CHRIST.
square miles in dimensions, or to a territory smaller than the state
of Massachusetts by 1,20o square miles.
In this narrow compass of territory was the earthly work of
Christ accomplished. To become familiar with each locality of
this limited region ought not to be a large task, yet even this will
require considerable patient research. But this should not be the
principal object in studying the life of Christ. Every student of
His life should study Christ Himself,—His character, His quiet
demeanor, His methods of labor for the uplifting of humanity,
and His bearing under the stroke of persecution. In this way
alone can the Student of the following lessons hope to be benefited.
Study well the side texts in conjunction with the lessons.
Study them at home all through the week, and the life of Christ
will shine with new luster in your minds. They may not all of
them seem to have direct bearing on the subject, but they will be
found very helpful to all who desire to dig for hid treasures. The
plan of placing these texts in the margin is a new one, which we
trust will prove satisfactory and useful to students. Another new
departure in this number of the
LESSON QUARTERLY
is the publi-
cation of a map of the country and places mentioned in the lesson
scripture. We believe this feature will give added value to the
QUARTERLY,
and be greatly appreciated by our schools.
THE SURPLUS DONATIONS during the present quarter will
be used in the most needy fields. We are informed by the presi-
dent of the Foreign Mission Board that India, Japan, and Africa
will need most of our donations during 189g. Therefore these
fields may be studied by our people.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
5
LESSON I.-BIRTH OF CHRIST.
January
7,
1899.
Nazareth and Bethlehem, B. C. 5.
(Matt. x : 1-25 ; Luke I : 26-35 ;
2: I-7.)
I. How is Christ introduced to the student of
the New Testament ? Matt. I : I. See note I.
2.
How did the birth of Christ come about?
Verse 18.
3.
Who had previously visited Mary? Luke
I : 26, 27.
4.
By what name was she then instructed to
call this promised Son? Verse 31.
5.
As the descendant of David, what was Jesus
to receive ? Verse 32.
6.
By what other name was Jesus to be called ?
What is its meaning ? Matt. I : 23.
7.
Learning the apparent state of affairs, what
did Joseph think of doing? Verse 19. See note
2.
8.
While in this state of mind, who appeared to
Joseph? and how? Verse
20.
9.
By what words did the angel assure Joseph ?
ro. Why was the child's name to be Jesus?
Verse 21.
ii. In all this, what prophecy was fulfilled?
Verses
22, 23.
12.
What effect did this word from God have
upon Joseph's mind ? Verse 24.
13.
Shortly after these things, what decree was
issued by the Roman emperor? Luke 2 : 1. See
note 3.
14.
Where did Joseph and Mary therefore go to
be registered? Verses 3, 4.
Side texts
to be
studied with
questions.
Rom. 9: 4, 5;
1:3, 4; Gal. 4:4.
Isa. 7 : 14.
Dan. 8:16; 9:21.
Luke
2 : 21 ;
Acts 4 : 27.
2
Sam. 7 :
12 ;
Jer. 23 : 5, 6;
Ps. 132:
;
Rev. 3 : 7.
Deut. 24 : I.
Acts
4:
12.
John : 14 ;
I Tim. 3 : 16.
Luke I :
27 ;
I
Sam.16:4-13;
John 7 : 42.
6
LIFE OF CHRIST.
15.
What soon took place after their arrival in
Bethlehem ? Verses 6, 7. See note 4.
16.
What humble resting-place was assigned to
Jesus? Verse 7. Why was this?
READING.
"Desire of Ages," pp. 43, 44.
NOTES.
Micah 5 : 2 ;
Matt. 2 :6.
2 Cor. 5:9;
Matt. 8 : 20.
1. Inasmuch as Christ was to•be manifested to the world as the
"promised Seed" of Abraham (Gal. 3 : 16), it was absolutely
necessary, in giving an account of His life, for the evangelists first
to trace His ancestry on the fleshly side, back to Abraham, and so
establish His identity as the Messiah. Matthew, therefore, begins
with Abraham, and follows the genealogy down through David to
Joseph, the reputed father of Christ. Matt. I: 1-16. By this he
attempts to prove that Jesus is the heir of the everlasting covenant
made with Abraham, and renewed to David. Gen. 17 :
7; 2
Sam.
7 : 12-17; Isa. 9: 6, 7. To this end he shows that Jesus stood in
such family relations to Joseph as to have claim to all that belonged
to him as the lineal descendant of Abraham. Luke, however,
presents the ancestral line of Mary, inverting the order followed
by Matthew, and tracing her lineage from Heli, her father, back
through David and Abraham, to Adam, who was the son of God.
Luke 3: 23-38. This record says that Christ was the "supposed "
son of Joseph, but He was, in reality, the son, that is, the maternal
grandson, of Heli, the son of Matthat, etc. It will be noticed that
both genealogies unite in Abraham, making it doubly sure that
Christ was the promised " Seed " of that patriarch.
2. It seems that a divorce was easily obtained at that time.
The form of such a bill among the Jews was called " Gett," and
was written upon parchment by a Jewish notary, in the presence
of one or more of the rabbis, and was to contain no more than
twelve lines. It was not supposed to state the reason or reasons
why the separation was decreed, but simply to say that the woman
was discharged from all obligation to her former connection, and
was free to marry whomsoever she pleased.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
7
3.
The word " taxed " in the text comes from a word meaning
to register or enrol, In such registrations it was necessary for
each person to report for enrolment in the ancestral town. Joseph
and Mary being both 'lineal descendants of David, they must
repair to the "city of David" to be enrolled, according to the
decree of the Roman emperor, whose subjects they were.
4.
" And so it was " that Christ was born in Bethlehem of
Judea, in fulfilment of the prophecy, when His mother was a
resident of Nazareth in Galilee. This is but one of many exam-
ples of how decrees of nations or kings have been steps to the
fulfilment of prophetic utterances. Not that God made kings
issue such decrees, but He, seeing the " end from the beginning,"
could fully state beforehand the results of these mandates.
LESSON H. —VISIT OF THE SHEPHERDS, AND
CHRIST'S PRESENTATION IN THE TErIFLE.
January 14t, 1899.
Bethlehem and Jerusalem, B. C. 5.
(Luke 2 : 8-38.)
I. WHo were in the fields near Bethlehem? and
what were they doing when Jesus was born ? Luke
2: 8.
2.
How did the Lord present Himself before
the shepherds? Verse 9.
3.
At the view given them, what was their state
of mind? and what message of comfort was deliv-
ered to them? Verses io,
4.
By what sign were the shepherds to recog-
nize Jesus? Verse 12.
5.
Immediately following this announcement,
what demonstration was made? Verses 33, 14.
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
Ps. 25 :
;
Amos 3:7.
Gen. 12 : 3;
Isa. 9:6, 7;
Acts to: 36.
Heb. i :14 ;
Gen. z8 : 10-12;
John 1:51.
8
LIFE OF CHRIST.
6.
Upon the departure of the angels, where did
the shepherds go? Verses 15, 16.
7.
Having found the Saviour, what did the
shepherds then do? Verse 17.
8.
What effect did the words of the shepherds
have upon those who heard? Verse 18.
9.
How did the mother of Jesus regard the
things passing around her? Verse 19.
to. With what spirit did the shepherds return
from their visit? Verse
20.
ix. In order to fulfil the law of Moses, where
did the parents of Jesus take Him forty days after
His birth? Verse 22.
I2.
What did this law require the parents to
offer as a sacrifice on such occasions? Verses 23,
24. See note.
13.
While this service was being performed,
who came into the temple? and through what
influence did he go there? Verses 25-27.
14.
For what had this man been waiting?
15.
Taking the child Jesus in his arms, what
did Simeon say of Him? Verses 28-32.
16.
In blessing the parents, what predictions
did he venture concerning the child? Vs. 34, 35.
17.
When Simeon ceased to prophesy, who
else came upon the scene? Verses 36, 37.
18.
Upon seeing Jesus, what did she begin to
do? Verse 38.
READING.
" Desire of Ages," pp. 47
-
57.
NOTE.
John I :41, 45.
Luke I : 66.
Isa. 61:1-3.
Lev. 12:2-4.
Lev. 12:6-8;
Ex. 34 : 20;
Num. 3:13.
Acts 8 :29, 39;
I0
: 19.
Isa. 40: I, 2, 9;
Mark
1
5:43.
Isa. 9: 2; 60 : 1, 2.
Isa. 8:14;
John 19 : 25;
Acts 28 : 22.
I Thy. 5 : 5.
There were
two
reasons why the parents of Jesus took Him to
Jerusalem at this time. The Mosaic law required an offering of
every mother, at the end of her days of purification. When she
was in circumstances to permit it, this was to consist of a lamb of
LIFE OF CHRIST.
9
the first year for a burnt-offering, and a young pigeon or a turtle-
dove for a sin-offering. But when parents were too poor to pro-
vide a lamb, the law was satisfied with simply a pair of turtle-doves,
or two young pigeons. The fact that Christ's parents offered only
the latter shows that they were in the deepest poverty. Again,
the law required that a first-born son should be redeemed by a
fixed sum, and this requirement must be fulfilled by the parents of
our Lord, since He was Mary's first-born.
LESSON III.—VISIT OF THE WISE MEN, AND THE
FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.
January
21, 1899.
Bethlehem and Jerusalem, B. C. 4.
(Matt. 2 : 1-18.)
I.
WHO
came from the East to Jerusalem,
shortly after the birth of Christ? Matt.
2 :
i. See
note i.
2.
For whom did they inquire? and why?
Verse
2.
3.
What effect did their inquiry have upon the
king and people? Verse 3.
4.
In their trouble, what step was taken by the
king? Verse 4. See note
2.
5.
What did the king learn from the priests
and scribes? Verse 5.
6.
What reason did the priests give for this
statement? See note 3. Verses 5, 6.
7.
Having learned so much from the Jewish
priests, what did the king then seek to know from
the wise men ? Verse 7. See note 4.
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
Gen.
10
3o ;
I
Kings 4:3o;
Esther i :13.
Num. 24:
1
5
-
17;
Isa. 6o: 3.
Mal. 2 : 7 ;
Hosea 4 16.
John 7:42.
Micah 5 : 2.
Matt. 2: 16.
10
LIFE OF CHRIST.
8.
What instruction did he then give these
men? Verse 8.
9.
As they departed to find Jesus, what
friendly assistance was again given them? V. 9.
pi). How did they feel when the guiding star
reappeared? Verse to.
it. Having found the Saviour, what did these
men do? Verse rt.
12.
Did the wise men follow the instruction of
Herod? If not, why? Verse
12.
13.
Upon the departure of these Eastern visit-
ors, what instruction did God give Joseph? Verse
13. See note 5.
14.
How long were they to remain in Egypt?
15.
Of what did Joseph take advantage to cover
his flight from Bethlehem? Verse 14.
16.
How long was the Saviour kept in Egypt?
Verse 15.
17.
Why was the Lord sent to Egypt, in prefer-
ence to some other place? See note '6.
18.
When Herod saw that he had been
"played with as a child " (sense of original word)
by the wise men, how did he feel and act? V. 16.
19.
In carrying out this decree, what scripture
was fulfilled? Verses 17, 18.
Ps.
72 : 10 ;
Isa. 6o : 6.
2
Peter I : 19.
I Kings 17 : 3.
Hosea IT : I ;
Ex. 4 :
22.
J
er.
31 : 15.
READING.
" Desire of Ages," pp. 59
-6
5.
NOTES.
T. " The epithet by which Matthew describes to us these Eastern
strangers is not so vague and indefinite as it seems in our transla-
tion. He calls them Magi from the East. The birthplace and
natural home of the magian worship was in Persia. And there
the Magi had a place and power such as the Chaldeans had in
Babylon, the Hierophants in Egypt, the Druids in Gaul, and the
Brahmins still have in India. They formed a tribe or caste,
priestly in office, princely in rank. They were the depositaries of
LIFE OF CHRIST.
/I
nearly all the knowledge or science existing in the country where
they lived. . . . The education of royalty was in their hands ;
they filled all the chief offices of state ; they constituted the
supreme counsel of the realm. As originally applied to this
Median priest-caste, the term Magi was one of dignity and
honor."—Hanna's
Life of Christ,
Suetonius, Tacitus, and Josephus each tell of a strong belief
among the people of the East that one born in Judea was to arise
and rule the world. This may have been propagated by stranger
Jews, from their prophecies, and taken strong hold of those who
desired a spiritual leader. See "Desire of Ages," p. 59.
2.
It seems strange that the first intimation of the Messiah's
advent receiv0 by those who professed to look for Him as their
King, must be given through strangers from a far country, who
professed entirely another faith. It is not so strange that they
were troubled when the thought was forced upon them that they
had so neglected the Word concerning the time and the place of
the Saviour's advent, that God would not give them additional
means of such knowledge, but sought repositories of that truth
among the Gentiles. Thus God has ever done, and will still do
by those who become careless in the truth already committed
to them.
3.
Although the priests had become so absorbed in worldly
matters as to lose sight of the
time
of the Messiah's advent, they
quickly turned to their neglected prophecies, and established the
birthfilace
of their long-heralded King.
'
4.
Herod sought from the wise men information as to
how long
since the star was first seen by them, evidently with the purpose
in view which he soon carried out. His edict to slay the children
of Bethlehem covered all under two years of age, " according to
the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men."
Matt.
2: 16.
It had probably been quite a long time since they
first observed the strange star, and had studied its significance.
5.
God could, by a miracle, have preserved Christ from Herod's
malice without His having been removed from Judea. But in all
His dealings in behalf of men, their co-operation is sought, that
they may have responsibility, and consequent interest in what is
12
LIFE OF CHRIST.
being done for them. The parents of Jesus were therefore com-
missioned to have a care for the infant Saviour. The journey
taken was about sixty miles southward from Bethlehem.
6. That the prophecy "might be fulfilled." The prophecy had
said, " When Israel was
a
child, then I loved him, and called My
Son out of Egypt." Hosea It : I. " Israel " means
a firince of
God.
As the Son of God, Christ was, and is, the " Prince of
God " in the fullest sense. As the " Seed " of Abraham, He was
a
child;
and as the great Antitype of Israel, must go into Egypt,
and be again called forth to live temporarily in the promised land,
as did Abraham and his children in the flesh. Nothing was omit-
ted from the life of Christ which would tend to associate Him
with the house of Abraham, and prove Him to be the promised
" Seed " through whom the promises were to come to Israel.
LESSON IV.—RETURN TO NAZARETH, AND VISIT
TO JERUSALEM.
January 28,1899.
B. C. 4 to A. D. 8.
(Matt. 2: 19-23; Luke 2: 39-52.)
I. WHEN
and where did the Lord next appear
to Joseph? Matt. 2: 19. See note I.
2.
What did the Lord then say to Joseph ?
Verse 20.
3.
Upon reaching the borders of Palestine,
who did Joseph hear was reigning in Judea in the
place of Herod? Verse 22.
4.
In his fear of Archelaus, and perplexity as
to what course to take, how was he again enlight-
ened ?
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
Luke
2:
39.
Luke r : 8o;
John 3 : 34.
Ex. 23 : i5 ;
Deut. 16: I.
Matt. 7 : 28 ;
Mark :
22 ;
John 7 : 46.
John
2 :
16.
Luke 9 : 45; IS : 34.
I Sam. 2 : 26.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
13
5.
Into what part of Palestine did the family
then go ? Verse 23. See note
2.
6.
What was to be fulfilled by thus retiring to
Nazareth? See note 3.
7.
After the return to Nazareth, what is
recorded of the child Jesus? Luke
2 : 40.
See
note 4.
8.
What was the yearly custom of the parents
of Jesus? Verse 41.
9.
At what age is it recorded that Christ first
went with His parents to attend the annual feast?
Verse 42. See note 5.
so. When the parents started to return home
from the feast, what did Jesus do? Verse 43.
ix. What caused this seeming neglect of the
parents for the child Jesus? Verse 44.
12.
Upon missing Him at nightfall, where did
they look for Him?
13.
Not finding Him in the company, what did
they next do? Verse 45. See note 6.
54. After an anxious search in Jerusalem,
where did they finally discover Him ? Verse 46.
15.
How did Jesus' words seem to affect those
around Him? Verse 47.
16.
How were His parents affected by the
sight? Verse 48.
57. With what words did the mother chide
Him?
,
18. What answer did she receive? Verse 49.
19.
How did the parents receive this saying of
Jesus? Verse 5o.
20.
Notwithstanding the reply of Jesus on this
occasion, how did He regard His parents' wishes?
Verse 51. See note 7.
21.
What is the further record of Jesus' early
life? Verse 52.
14
LIFE OF CHRIST.
READING.
" Desire of Ages," pp. 66-96.
NOTES.
1.
Some have placed the death of Herod the Great in A. D. 2.
That would make the sojourn of the Saviour in Egypt six years.
This hardly seems probable. In a foot-note on page 54 of Hanna's
" Life of Christ," he says : " It has been accurately ascertained that
Herod must have died between the 13th of March and the 4th of
April 75o A. U. C. [after the building of the city, i. e., of Rome]."
" Hale's Chronology," vol. I, pp. 85, 96, gives strong arguments in
favor of that date. This would set the date of Herod's death in
the early part of B. C. 4, and would make the stay in Egypt cover
but the period of a few weeks at most.
2.
It was natural for the parents of Christ to turn, on this occa-
sion, to Mary's old home among the hills of Galilee. Surrounded
by prominent elevations, the little village of Nazareth was practi-
cally shut away from the world. The place was so insignificant
historically that no mention of it occurs in the Old Testament.
Even a Galilean felt justified in asking, " Can there any good
thing come out of Nazareth ? " John 1 :46; 21 : 2. It was seventy
miles north of Jerusalem, and six west of Mount Tabor.
3.
The word " Nazarene" was a term of contempt. The name
Nazarene was derived from the Hebrew
netser,
meaning
sprout,
or
shoot,
and suggested insignificance. " The name is prophet-
ically given to the Messiah (Isa. I' • 1)
`There shall come
forth a shoot from the stock of Jesse, and a twig from his roots
shall bear fruit.' As David sprang from the humble family of
Jesse, so the Messiah, the second David, shall arise out of great
humiliation. The fact that Jesus grew up at Nazareth was suffi-
cient reason for His being despised. He was not a lofty branch on
the summit of a stately tree ; not a recognized and honored son of
the royal house of David, now fallen, but an insignificant
sprout
from the roots of Jesse ; a Nazarene, of an upstart sprout-town."
—Vincent.
" Whenever men spoke of Jesus as the Nazarene, they either
consciously or unconsciously pronounced one of the names of
t
h
e
LIFE OF CHRIST.
15
predicted Messiah, a name indicative both of His royal descent and
His humble condition."--Smith.
4.
" The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with
wisdom." This is the record of the first twelve years of Christ's
life. It tells much in general, but nothing in detail. Beyond the
veil of the child's gentle, sunny home life of obedience, we may
not obtrude vain curiosity.
5.
According to Jewish reckoning, the age of twelve was the
time when a boy passed from childhood to youth, and took the
name of " son of the Lord." At that age he was supposed to
begin attendance at the annual feasts. At that point also he was
given over to the school of the rabbis, when destined for the
priest's office, in order to begin the instruction necessary to fit
himself for that position. See " Desire of Ages," p. 75.
6.
What a night of anxiety must have attended Joseph and
Mary ! The Lord's charge to them had, after twelve long years of
constant watching, been neglected, and now they were bereft of
the child's society. A whole day had been passed in visiting,
without their realizing that He was not in their company. Another
day was consumed in retracing the journey to Jerusalem, and at
least one more in a fruitless search through the city, and among
those with whom they had associated during the feast. At last on
the third day He was found in an outer part of the temple used as
a school-room, where the rabbis taught youths the system of
rabbinism. See " Desire of Ages," p. 78.
7.
Knowing that the full time for His public ministry to begin
had not yet come, Jesus became subject to His parents for eighteen
years longer, doing absolutely nothing to betray His divinity, but
living so naturally at home that even His brethren in all those
years discerned in Him no mark of His calling. John 7 : 5. So
little was He known that Nathanael, living but a few miles away,
in Cana, had never heard of Him until Philip pointed Him out as
the Messiah. John I : 45. What a lesson of cheerful, gentle
patience ! This was truly emptying
self.
In our daily life, let us
look to Jesus of
Nazareth
for a pattern, as well as to the
suffering
of the cross,
LIFE OF CHRIST.
LESSON V.-MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.
February g, 1899.
In the Desert Near the Jordan, Spring of A. D. 27.
(Matt. 3: 1-12; Luke 3:
I. WHILE
Jesus was yet with His parents in
Nazareth, who began preaching in the wilderness
of Judea ? Matt. 3 : I.
2.
What was the burden of his message ?
Verse
2.
See note I.
3.
By what did John prove the authority of his
mission ? Verse 3.
4.
What proclamation did he include which
was calculated to stir all the people ? Luke 3 : 5, 6.
5.
Who was then Roman emperor? Luke
3: I.
6.
Who were acting high priests in the Jewish
nation? Verse 2. See note 2.
7.
In what garb was Christ's forerunner dressed?
Matt. 3
8.
What was the nature of his diet?
9.
Who were attracted by the appearance and
preaching of John? Verse 5.
to. Upon confession of sin, to what did the
people also submit ? Verse 6.
1. How did the leaders of the people regard
John's message? Luke 7: 29, 3o.
12.
In view of their attitude, with what sharp
words did John address them ? Matt. 3 : 7.
13.
What remedy did he recommend for their
desperate circumstances ? Verse 8.
14.
Of what were these Pharisees evidently
thinking ? Verse 9.
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
Luke 3 :2 ;
John I : 28.
Matt. 4:17; 10 : 7.
Isa. 4o : 3 ;
Mal. 3 : 1 ;
Matt. tt : to.
Isa. 52 : 10 ;
Ps. 98: 2;
Luke 2:10.
John 11 :49 ;
18 : 13, 24.
2 Kings I: 8 ;
Matt. II : 14 ;
17 : 12.
John I : 19.
Acts 13 : 24, 23 ;
19 : 2.
Matt. 12 : 34 ;
23 : 33.
2 Cor. 7: 1o, II;
Matt. 26 : 75.
John 8 :33, 39;
Rom. 9 : 8,
LIFE OF CHRIST.
17
15.
From what did John tell them God was
able to raise up seed unto Abraham ?
16.
What warning did He then proceed to give
them? Verse 1o.
17.
What reply did the people make to this?
Luke 3 : To.
18.
Of what nature was the work John assigned
them ? Verse Ir.
19.
What question did the publicans ask con-
cerning their duty ? Verse
12.
20.
What very practical answer did they re-
ceive ? Verse 13. See note 3.
21.
What counsel did John give the soldiers
who inquired as to their work ? Verse 14.
22.
What condition of mind did the people find
themselves in because of John's words ? Verse 15.
Luke 19 : 39,
40 ;
Zech. 9 : 9.
Luke 13 : 7, 9 ;
Matt.
21 :
41
-
43.
Acts
2 : 37 ;
9 :6.
Luke /1 : 41 ;
James 2:15, 16;
I
John 3 : 17 ;
Job 29:15,16.
Luke 7 : 29 ;
Rom. 3 : 4-
Luke 19 :
2,
8 ;
Lev. 6 :4.
Ex. 23 :7 ;
Phil.4:8.
READING.
" Desire of Ages," pp. 97-1o8.
NOTES.
1.
" At hand;" that is,
has come nigh.
This was the herald of
an expected leader to take them forth from their wanderings in the
wilderness of sin. See note 6 of lesson 3. Those to whom the
Baptist preached were like their prototypes of old, while in
Egypt,—outside of God's kingdom, in the service of another
king. Therefore the message to them in the wilderness was to be
ready to sustain the better administration which was at hand, and
so enter the kingdom of heaven.
2.
At this time the Roman emperor claimed and exercised the
right to appoint and depose the Jewish high priests, as he chose.
All who served in this office must please the emperor. Annas,
though a sagacious and purchasable man, was not able to hold the
office undisturbed. Appointed by Cyrenius, imperial governor of
Syria, in
A. D.
7 (Luke 2 : 2), he was obliged to resign at the begin-
ning of the reign of Tiberius Csar,
A. D. 14.
He managed,
however, to secure the office in turn for five of his sons, and for
LIFE OF CHRIST.
his son-in-law, Caiaphas, with whom he managed to be associated
up to and beyond the time of the crucifixion of Christ. Acts
4 : 6. See " Desire of Ages," p. 3o.
3. Publicans—those holding public office, chiefly tax-gatherers.
Doing this work under appointment of, and in the interest of,
the Roman Government, this class was odious and despised in the
eyes of their countrymen, not only as traitors, but extortioners of
large profits out of the national degradation. They received, like
all the others, an answer just suited to their needs.
LESSON VI.—BAPTISM OF JESUS.
February II, 1899.
At the Ford of the Jordan Near Jericho, Autumn of
A. D. 27.
(Luke 3: x6-23; Matt. 3:
I. WHILE the people hesitated in their deci-
sion L3 to who the strange prophet was, what did
he say of One who was to follow him? Luke
3 : 16 ; Matt. 3 : 1r.
2.
What additional baptism did he say would
then be given to men ?
3.
With what does he represent Christ cleans-
ing His people? Luke 3: 17; Matt. 3: 12.
4.
What did he say would be done with those
who do not submit to this purging?
5.
Where did this occasion take place? John
1
:28. See note I.
6.
After the baptism of all the people on a
certain day, who came forward and asked John to
baptize Him? Matt. 3: 13. See note
2.
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
John x :
15,
3o.
John 1: 33, 34 ;
Acts
2 :
3, 4.
Mal. 3 : 3;
Zech. x3:9.
Matt. 13 : 3o, go;
Mal. 4 : 1.
Judges 7 : 24 ;
John io : go.
Luke 3:
21.
LII7 OP CHRIST.
7.
How did the Baptist feel about granting
the request? Verse 14.
8.
What did Jesus say to induce John to
change his mind? Verse 15.
9.
What did John then do?
1o. Upon Jesus coming up out of the water,
what did He immediately do? Luke 3 : 21.
II. While in this attitude, what strange sight
appeared? Verse
22.
See note 3.
32. In connection with this sight, what was
heard, as coming from heaven? Verse
22.
Matt.
3 : 17.
13. How old was Jesus at that time? Luke
3:23.
34. For what reason did John say he had been
sent to baptize? John r : 31.
15. How did John come to positively know
that the One whom he had baptized was the
looked-for Messiah? John 3 : 33.
89
Mark I :9.
Isa. 6 : 1-3 ;
Matt. 3 : 16 ;
Acts Io : 37, 38.
Matt. 17 : 5
2 Peter 1: 17;
John
12 : 28.
Num. 4 : 1-3.
Isa. 4o:3.
READING.
" Desire of Ages," pp. 109-113.
NOTES.
I. Bethabara was
beyond
the Jordan, that is, on the east bank
of that river, supposed to have been nearly opposite Jericho. It is
not positively identified. See "Smith's Bible Dictionary."
2.
This was characteristic of the Saviour through all His work.
His modesty on this occasion is a standing model for every pro-
fessed Christian. As He was retiring and modest, in this first
public act of His life, so may all become the same, and demon-
strate their worthiness to be counted His followers.
3.
Never before had such an answer to prayer been realized.
The form taken by the Holy Spirit on this occasion is certainly
suggestive. It was in the beautiful form and gentle motion of the
dove, the appropriate symbol of gentleness and affection. It
identified Him as the meek and lowly One, the kind and loving
Saviour. That Spirit is the same to-day, and when received,
20
LIFE OF CHRIST.
points out the receiver as being peaceable and " gentle, and easy
to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality,
and without hypocrisy." James 3: 17.
LESSON VII.-TErIPTATION OF JESUS.
February r8, 1899.
In the Wilderness of Judea, A. D. 27.
(Matt. 4 : I-1 I ;
Mark I :
12, 13 ;
Luke 4 :
1
-
1
3 )
Side texts ,to be
studied with
questions.
Luke
4 : 1.
I. IMMEDIATELY
following His baptism, where
did the Spirit lead Jesus? Matt. 4: r. See note
1.
2.
What was the object of taking Him there?
See note
2.
3.
Who were His companions there? Mark
I :
13.
4.
How long did Jesus fast before He felt the
pangs of hunger? Matt. 4
: 2.
See note 3.
5.
When Satan approached Christ in His ex-
treme hunger, with what words did he assail Him ?
Verse 3. See note 4.
6.
With what answer did Christ meet Satan's
insinuation ? Verse 4.
7.
What was then done with the Saviour?
Verse 5.
8.
What did Satan then ask Christ to do ?
Verse 6.
9.
What reason did he give for asking this test ?
See note 5.
io. How did Christ meet this plausible state-
ment ? Verse 7. See note 6.
i. Where was the Saviour next taken ? Verse 8.
Deut. 8: 2;
Mark 6: 3o, 31;
Heb. 4 : 15.
Mark 1 : 13 ;
Luke 4 :
2 ;
Isa. 52 : 14.
Matt. 3 : 17;
27:40 ;
2 Cor. II : 14.
Deut. 8: 3.
Ps. oi : rr,
12.
Deut. 6 : ,6.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
21
12.
From that vantage spot, what was pointed
out to Christ?
13.
To whom did Satan say these belonged?
Luke 4 : 6.
14.
On what condition did Satan promise all
these to Christ ? Matt. 4 : 9•
15.
What reply was made to this offer, and
what was its effect? Verses ro, ri. See note 7.
16.
Who then came to minister to the Saviour?
John
I2: 31.
Deut. ro : 20;
I
Sam. 7 : 3.
Luke
22 :
39-44 ;
" Spirit of
Prophesy," vol.
2,
P. 97.
READINGS.
" Desire of Ages," pp. 114-131.
NOTES.
1.
Every movement of Christ was controlled by the Spirit, of
which He was "full." John r :16. He was conceived of the
Holy Spirit. Luke I : 35. The Spirit was not given to Him by
measure. John 3 : 34. The Holy Spirit was the source of His
power. Acts 16: 38. Through this He was spotless. Heb. 9 : 14.
By the same He gave directions to His apostles concerning their
work, after His resurrection. Acts 1 : 2.
2.
The object must have been twofold: (I) He must undergo
temptation in its most direct and potent way, in order that He
'might reach the depth of human suffering in that line, and so
know how to sympathize with those whom He came to save.
(2) These days were also to serve for Him as a season of medita-
tion and preparation for the great work before Him. It was also
to be a season of triumph, not only over Satan in his direct
attacks, but also a triumph over the flesh, by absorbing, elevating
communion with God—a lesson for all who have been intrusted
with responsibilities in the work of salvation.
3.
He was probably so absorbed by His devotions in the face
of a persistent enemy, that He did not feel the need of food. It
will be noticed that both Mark and Luke imply that the Saviour
was being tempted at every stage of the forty days' fast. It may
be that during that time the question was being revolved, from
22
LIFE OF CHRIST.
His human side, as to whether He was really having God's pro-
tection, while being left in so desolate a place. This is suggested
by the attack of Satan after Christ became sensible to hunger.
4.
Forty days before, at His baptism, a voice from heaven had
said, "Thou art My beloved Son." Now, in the solitude of the
wilderness, with only wild beasts for companions, pale and emaci-
ated from a long fast, with the pangs of hunger gnawing at His
vitals, will His faith rest on that Word spoken to Him a few days
before? Satan seizes the opportunity to insinuate a doubt of the
truthfulness of that statement, hoping thereby to cause a failure of
the plan of salvation. To doubt would be to disprove His Son-
ship. If this plan does not carry, Christ may attempt to
prove
His
Sonship by obeying the dictates of Satan, and so take Himself out
of the keeping power of God. He feels quite sure that on one or
the other of these lines Christ will fail. See " Desire of Ages,"
p. n9.
5.
Satan virtually said to Christ: Now You have assumed to
depend on God's Word for support and protection, let me, and all
these worshipers in the court below, see God care for You, when
You cast Yourself out into space; then all will believe You are the
Messiah. Has not God said, He shall give His angels charge
over You, to bear You up in their hands, to preserve You from
being dashed against the stones? Now trust this part of the Word,
if You depend so much on it.
6.
Christ does not in this case attempt to argue the matter.
That would be to step down on a level with His tormentor. He
quietly said, " Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." It is
one thing to
trust
Him while doing His will, another to
try
Him
while presumptuously taking a course He has not prescribed.
God- can rescue me from this position, and I still trust Him.
7.
These words, spoken by way of command to Satan, when he
openly revealed himself, gave him the evidence he pretended to
be disinterestedly seeking for. In them was manifested the power
which he feigned to doubt was with Christ. The effect of their
power was quickly felt by Satan, and he slunk away without
another attack upon the Son of God. See " Desire of Ages,"
p. 130.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
23
LESSON VIII.-CALL OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES.
February 25, 1899.
At Bethabara, A. D. 27.
(John
I :
29-51.)
I. WHEN
Christ appeared again at the place
of John's baptism, what exclamation did the Baptist
make concerning Him? John 1 :
29.
2.
To what words previously uttered does he
call the people's attention? Verses 3o, 31.
3.
How was the Baptist so sure of Christ's
identity? Verses 32-34.
4.
Who were standing with John the next day?
Verse 35.
5.
As Jesus appeared in sight, how did John
announce Him to the two disciples? Verse 36.
6.
What did the disciples of John immediately
do? Verse 37.
7.
How were they introduced to Jesus? V. 38.
8.
What apparently indifferent question did
they ask? See note 1.
9.
What answer was returned by Christ? Verse
39. See note
2.
to.'How long did the disciples continue their
interview with the Lord ?
tr. Who were the two disciples thus highly
favored? Verse 4o.
12.
Upon learning the abode of Christ, what
did Andrew first do? Verse 41. See note 3.
13.
When Simon was brought to Jesus, what
did the Lord first say to him? Verse 42. See
note 4.
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
Read carefully
verses 19-28.
John 8 : 58.
John 5 : 32 ;
Luke 8 : 19-23.
Isa.
: 6, 7.
John IS: 15, 16;
13 : 23; 19 : 26',
21 : 20-24.
Dan. 9 : 24, 25 ;
Luke 2: 25.
Matt. 16 : 17.
24
LIFE OF CHRIST.
14.
The following day, while on His way to
Galilee, whom did Christ find by the way? and what
did He say to him? Verse 43.
15.
What was Philip's nativity? Verse 44.
16.
Whom did Philip quickly find ? and what
John
2I : 2.
message did he bear to him? Verse 45.
Deut.8
Isa. 9 :
1
6,
:
7.
J
o
h
n
7:41, 52,
17.
What curt reply did Nathanael make to this
statement ? Verse 46.
18.
How did Philip meet this objection? See
note
2
of lesson 4.
59. While Nathanael was yet coming, what
Ps.32:2;
ROM. 2 : 28, 29;
remark concerning him did Christ make in his
9 : 6-8.
hearing? Verse 47.
20.
In his astonishment, what reply did Nathan-
ael offer? Verse 48.
21.
What answer did Jesus give? See note 5.
22.
Upon hearing this, what confident expres-
sion fell from Nathanael's lips? Verse 49.
23.
What did Christ say he would yet see? Gen. 28:12.
Verses 50, 51.
READINGS.
" Desire of Ages," pp.
1
32-143.
NOTES.
1.
But the question was not asked for lack of other thoughts.
The two inquirers wanted more than a passing word with the
newly-found Being, and so desired to spend time with Him in the
privacy of His home. He, divining their wish, readily opened the
way for an extended interview.
2.
The place to which they went was some home which had
been opened to Christ for a few days' sojourn, by the hospitality
of strangers. How strangely the mission of Christ opened. He
did not make any demonstration; no public harangues were given
by Him. But as He quietly walked before the people, His first dis-
ciples were drawn to Him by the quiet words of another.
3.
" Messiah " means
anointed,
and was used with reference to
LIFE OF CHRIST.
25
any one anointed with the holy oil. Christ was the antitype of all
those Hebrew anointings, and was therefore the " consolation " to
which every true Israelite looked forward. Luke
2:
25. The
word " consolation " there used comes from the same original as
" Comforter " in John 14 : 6; 15 : 26, etc., and means
a calling
alongside for help.
In other words, the Jewish consolation con-
sisted in
calling to their very side
the help which their blood-
offerings typified.
4.
" Jona " in Hebrew means a
dove.
As though Jesus had
ever known Simon, He called him the " son of a dove," and then
with divine foresight as to the developments of Peter's future,
added, " Thou shalt be called Cephas," that is,
a stone.
It will be
noticed that this change of name for the impulsive apostle was
bestowed at the very first meeting of Peter with his Lord, and
before any other words had passed between them. The name
" Peter," by which this disciple is most commonly known, is the
Aramaic and Greek equivalents of Cephas, or stone.
5.
"Under the fig tree." The chosen place for meditation and
prayer with the devout of Israel. Philip had been in devotion
under the fig tree, pondering over the very truths he had heard at
Bethabara, when list-ming to the words of the Baptist, and wonder-
ing, like many others, when and where the Messiah would appear.
He came to Christ doubting, but with a guileless heart. Christ's
words to him seemed so full of divine prescience that he could not
help believing that One was before him who knew his very
thoughts. He was by this deeply impressed that the desire of his
heart had become the sight of his eyes, and his doubt gave way to
the sincerest faith. It has been supposed by some that, inasmuch
as the name Nathanael does not appear in the list of the twelve
apostles, he was identical with Bartholomew, who is always named
next to Philip.
These five were Christ's first disciples. He called but one of
them direct; two were prompted to unite their interests to His by
the words of John; one of them joined the company at the instance
of a brother; and the other, by the solicitation of a friend. It was
all done by direct, individual work, the efforts which God blesses
above all others to the salvation of men.
26
LIFE OF CHRIST.
LESSON IX.—THE FIRST MIRACLE.
March 4,
18
99.
Cana of Galilee, A. D. 27.
(John
2: I-II.)
I. ON
the third day following the last events
studied, what took place in Cana of Galilee? John
2: I.
2.
Who is mentioned as being present at the
wedding? Verse
2.
See note 1.
3.
What threatened to mar the pleasure of the
occasion? Verse 3. See note 2.
4.
Who was appealed to for a remedy? and by
whom ?
5.
In reply, how did Jesus address His mother?
Verse 4. See note 3.
6.
What reason did Christ give for thus check-
ing His mother's interference? See note 4.
7.
Notwithstanding these words of Christ to
His mother, what did she order the servants to do?
Verse 5.
8.
What sort of vessels, and how many, were
standing near? Verse 6. See note 5.
9.
What order did Christ give the servants ?
Verse 7.
ro. Having filled the jars, what did He then
tell them to do? Verse 8.
Ir. Did the conductor of ceremonies know
where the new supply of wine came from ? Verse 9.
12.
Upon tasting the wine, what did the master
of ceremonies do ?
13.
How did he congratulate the bridegroom
concerning the acquisition 9f wine? Verse ro.
See note
6,
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
Judges 9 :13 ;
Ps. 104 :
15.
John
: 26;
20 :
15.
John 7 : 6;
12 : 23.
Mark 7 : 3.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
27
14.
What is the work of Christ called by the
evangelist? Verse II.
15.
What effect did it work upon His disciples?
See note 7.
16.
Where did Jesus next go? and who went
with Him ? Verse 12.
John r :
;
lsa. 40 : 5;
John H :40.
Matt. 12 : 46 ;
1
355;
John 7 : 3, 5.
READINGS.
" Desire of Ages," pp.
1
44-
1
53.
NOTES.
1.
Cana, "the reedy place," so called from the thick jungles
originally found in its immediate neighborhood, was situated on a
hill which rises from the plain of El Battauf. It is supposed to
have been nine miles north of Nazareth, the home of Jesus, which
was the first objective point of the journey. Arriving there, and
finding no one to receive them, Jesus and His disciples accepted
an invitation to be present at the wedding, which from attending
circumstances seems to have been that of some relative of Christ,
judging from the prominent part His mother was acting in
connection with it.
2.
Fresh juice of the grape was considered indispensable at a
Jewish wedding, while the fermented variety was forbidden. Prov.
20 : I.
See also " Desire of Ages," pp. 145, 149. It is not known
how long the festivities had been going on before the wine gave
out, but such a failure was a disgrace to those making a feast, and
so the extremity on that occasion was one to be deplored.
3.
He no longer calls her " mother," but uses a familiar
Hebrew expression, the common form of address to all women.
He wishes her to understand that she no longer controls Him, but
that He is under the sole guidance of His Father above. Her
interference in His work, on the ground of her fleshly relationship,
was repudiated. There was danger of her forgetting His changed
28
LIFE OF CHRIST.
relation to her. While the address now seems harsh, it was not
then so considered, as will be seen by His last tender words to
her, when he was expiring on the cross. John 19 : 26. See
" Desire of Ages," p. 146.
4.
The hour is not Mine in which to be glorified; the time has
not yet come for Me to be exalted. God fixes My hour and work;
I must now glorify Him alone. See " Desire of Ages," pp.
146, 147.
5.
The sanitary precautions of the Old Testament had been so
distorted by the Jews of that day that before every meal each per-
son must wash his hands. No one came from the market and
neglected the prescribed ablution. Every guest must have his feet
washed upon arrival, and leave his sandals outside of the door.
For these purposes, and countless other washings, great stone jars
were by the doorway. At this place there were six of these, each
holding about ten gallons. This is the lowest estimate of their
capacity made by any author. To fill all these with wine showed
overflowing generosity, which is characteristic of the Lord in
answering our requests for spiritual blessings.
6.
This was a great miracle. As said by Milton, " The con-
scious water saw its God and blushed." The difference between
this miracle and the regular operation of nature was only in the
matter of time taken to obtain the result. In the operation, one is
as much a miracle as the other, since it requires the power of God
to accomplish the result in either case. The miracle did not break
the order of nature's laws, but only hastened it.
7.
Without doubt, as the guests remarked on the quality of the
wine set before them, inquiries were raised as to where it was pro-
cured. The servants, of course, related the whole proceeding.
Jesus was then sought for. Anticipating this, in His great modesty
He retired, and this act on His part gave opportunity for His dis-
ciples to proclaim Him as the Son of God,--the Messiah. Quickly
the news of the event spread until it reached even Judea, and so
Christ sought retirement for a few days.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
29
LESSON X.-CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE.
March
11,
1899.
Jerusalem, Spring of A. D. 28.
(John
2:
13-25;
3: 1-8.)
1.
AFTER
leaving Capernaum, where does the
record show the Saviour to have next gone? and
why? John 2 : 13. See note I.
2.
Arriving at the temple, what did the Saviour
find there? Verse 14.
3.
What did He immediately do? Verse 15.
See note
2.
4.
With what words did He accompany His
threatening demonstration? Verse 16.
5.
Upon seeing the Saviour's effort, what scrip-
ture came to the disciples' minds? Verse 17. See
note 3.
6.
Seeing the Saviour's display of authority,
what did the Jews demand of Him as evidence of
His right to do as He had done? Verse 18.
7.
What answer did the Saviour give? V. 19.
8.
How did the Jews reply to this? Verse
20.
9.
But to what did the Lord have reference?
Verses
2I, 22.
Io. Upon seeing the many miracles of Jesus,
how were many of the people at the Passover
affected? Verse 23.
11.
But did Jesus trust these men ? and if not,
why not? Verses 23-25. See note 4.
12.
What man of note at Jerusalem came by
night to talk with Jesus? John 3: I, 2.
13.
What was the first thing that the Saviour
tried to impress upon him? Verse 3.
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
Ex.
12:2-14 ;
Deut.
16 :
Matt.
21 12.
Isa.
56 : 7.
Ps.
69 : 8, 9.
I Sam.
16 : 7.
John 7
: 5o;
19 : 39
Gal.
6:15.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
14.
By what question did Nicodemus express
his surprise at this statement? Verse 4.
15.
How did Jesus explain this matter to Nico-
demus? Verses 5-8.
READING.
" Desire of Ages," pp. 154-166.
NOTES.
T. The Jews recognized two forms of the Passover. The first
was observed in the wilderness, on the journey from Egypt to
Palestine, and for some time later. After the building of the
temple, however, the form of celebration was materially changed.
By comparing Deut. 16: 1-6 and Num. 28: 16-25 with Exodus,
chapters 12, 13, it will be seen that injunctions regarding it were
added in the later scriptures which were not in the former, and
which were hardly possible to be carried out in the wilderness.
In the later observances of the ordinances wine was used, but it
was not enjoined in the Pentateuch. It is, however, mentioned in
the New Testament. Luke
22 : 17-20;
I Cor. ro : 16. The song
with which the Saviour closed the last Passover service was not
required by the original instructions. The song, called the Hallel,
was comprised of Psalms 113-118, the first two being sung at the
beginning of the meal, and the others at the close.
2.
This was the first cleansing of the temple, in the early part of
Christ's ministry. The cleansing of the temple was repeated at
the last Passover which He attended, three years later.
3.
At each Passover every male, whether rich or poor, must
bring his half shekel to the sanctuary, as a sacred tribute to be
applied to the expenses of the tabernacle service. Ex. 30 :11-16.
But the money of the various countries, of b G ss~Qr copper, bearing
heathen symbols and inscriptions, was not
the temple.
The worshipers coming from these countries were obliged to
exchange their heathen coin for the usual silver piece of the sanc-
tuary, and these money-changers did this service for them, charg-
ing a heavy rate per cent for the favor. This caused much haggling
over money values, and, with the bleating of sheep and the lowing
of cattle, the babel of voices made the temple court a scene of
Matt.
3:9.
Peter I : 23;
John 3:9.
LIFE OP CHRIST.
3
1
much confusion. The disciples had before witnessed this profana-
tion of the house of prayer, but probably had not before stopped
to think it wrong, since this arrangement had been the custom for
many years. But seeing in Christ's act a fulfilment of prophecy,
their faith in Him was greatly strengthened. See-
11
-1Dcsire-of
Ages," p. 155.
4. That is to say, Jesus received none of these into the circle of
His personal followers. No one from about Jerusalem, in fact,
was to be thus privileged. He chose no scribes, no rabbis, no
men of high standing from that region. On the other hand, His
disciples, to whom He committed Himself to the end of His life,
with the single exception of Judas, were Galileans. Knowing
what was in all men, He knew whom to choose for the successful
issue of His earthly work.
LESSON XI.—THE BAPTIST'S LAST TESTIMONY
OF CHRIST.
March 18, 1899.
Various Parts of Judea, A. D. 28.
(John 3 : 14-36; 4 : 1-6.)
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
NII/TI. 21
:
o;
John 12
:
32.
2
COr. :
9 ;
Rom. 8:32.
John 5: 24.
John 1 : 9-12 ;
Eph. 5 : 13, 14.
I. IN
His discourse to Nicodemus, by what
familiar illustration did the Saviour reveal His mis-
sion to earth?
.
John 3 : 24, 15.
2.
What motive gave Christ to such a work ?
Verses 16, 17.
3.
By what do men escape condemnation from
sin ? Verse 18.
4.
What proves the condemnation of man ?
Verses 19-21.
32
LIFE OF CHRIST.
5.
After finishing this discourse, where did
Christ and His disciples go? and what did they do?
Verse 22.
6.
Where was John the Baptist working during
that time? Verse 23. See note 1.
7.
During a dispute which arose between
John's disciples and some Jews, what report was
brought to John concerning Jesus ? Verse 26.
8.
By what magnanimous reply did John reveal
his greatness? Verses 27-30.
9.
What did John then say was to be the nature
of Christ's testimony? and why? Verses 31-33.
to. In His testimony to the world
.
, whose words
was Christ to speak? and for what reason? V. 34.
it. When Jesus knew of this report having been
carried to John, what did He then do ? John
4 :
12.
By what route did He attempt the journey?
Verse 4. See note
2.
13.
At what city of that country did He make a
halt? Verse 5. See note 3.
14.
In His weariness at noonday, where did
Jesus seek rest? Verse 6.
15.
While Jesus sat there, who appeared at the
well? Verse 7.
16.
In order to engage her in conversation,
what favor did the Saviour ask of her?
READING.
" Desire of Ages," pp. 167-182.
NOTE.
John
4 :2;
Acts 10 : 3/.
John I :15.
Mal. 3 : I.
John 3:11; 8:26.
John 7: 16;
Col.
2 : 9.
1. The location of iEnon is not now positively known. It is
quite generally conceded to have been west of the Jordan, and
some think about eight miles south of Scythopolis. The name
itself is merely the Greek rendering of a Chaldee word which
signifies "springs." See map.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
33
2.
About 925
B.
c. Omri, the sixth king of Israel, built the city
of Samaria within the tribe of Ephraim, and named it for Shemer,
the man of whom he bought the territory. i Kings 16 : 24, 25.
It
was then made the capital of the ten tribes, and the name of the
city was bestowed upon the kingdom itself.
3.
"Sychar" is nowhere mentioned in the Bible except in
John 4 : 5. It is quite generally believed to have reference to the
important city of Shechem. It lies in a sheltered valley, having
Gerizim on the south, and Ebal on the north, and is said to have
been the paradise of the Holy Land.
LESSON XIL—CONVERSATION WITH THE WOrlAN
OF SAIlARIA.
March 25,1899.
Shechem, A. D. 28.
(John
4 :7-42.)
Side texts to be
studied with
questions.
I. WHAT
favor did the Saviour ask of the
woman of Samaria, at Sychar's well? John 4 : 7.
2.
With what words did the woman apparently
resent Jesus' request? Verse 9. See note 1.
3.
What answer did the Saviour make in order
to avoid the national contention? Verse io.
4.
Not knowing the gift of God, how did the
woman reply? Verses
II,
12.
5.
How did the Saviour meet this objection?
Verses 13, 14.
6.
Did the woman comprehend Christ's mean-
ing in the use of this similitude? Verse 15.
Acts 10:28 ;
Gal. 2 : 12.
Isa. 12:3;
John
7:
37, 38;
Rev. 22 : 17.
Jer. 2 : 13 ; 27 : 13.
John 6 : 35.
34
LIFE OF CHRIST.
7.
Without condemning the woman for her
loose life but rather desiring to lead her to make
voluntary confession, what did Jesus ask her to do?
Verse 16.
8.
What did she say to this request? Verse 17.
9.
How did the Saviour then begin to reveal
Himself to her? Verses 17, 18.
DD. By these words what did the woman dimly
see in Christ? and what question did she ask Him
in consequence? Verses 19,
20.
Ir. How did the Lord then reveal to her the
result of His coming to earth ? Verses
21-24.
See
note 2.
12.
Hearing this, what did the woman tell about
what she knew of the anticipated Messiah? V. 25.
13.
What plain words did the Lord then speak
to her? Verse 26.
14.
When the disciples returned from the city
with food, how were they affected at finding
Jesus talking with the woman? Verse 27. See
note 3.
15.
What did the woman then do and say? and
with what result? Verses 28-30.
16.
While she was gone, what did the disciples
desire Jesus to do? Verse 31.
17.
What was His answer? Verse 32.
18.
In reply to their private questioning regard-
ing the situation, what did He say to them? Verses
34-38.
19.
What effect did the woman's words have
on the Samaritans? Verses 39, 40.
20.
To what happy conclusion did many of those
come, who went out to hear Christ? Verses 41, 42.
21.
Give the principal circumstances connected
with the birth of Christ.
22.
State what you have learned of His child-
hood.
Deut. 12 : 5, II.
John 10 :16;
Gal. 3 : 28.
LIFE OF CHRIST.
35
23.
Tell briefly the story of His baptism and
temptation in the wilderness.
24.
Recite the leading events in His ministry
as far as studied.
READING.
" Desire of Ages," pp. 183-195.
NOTES.
1. The hot climate of that country made a drink of water of so
much value that under ordinary circumstances no one would think
of refusing it. But continued strife for centuries between the Jews
and Samaritans had created a most bitter and permanent hatred
between the two sections. In the first place, the Samaritans were
made up of people from. Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and
Sepharvaim, taken there by the king of Assyria when he carried
the ten tribes of Israel into captivity. A few stragglers, also, from
the ten tribes found their way back again to their native land.
For certain reasons, the king of Assyria returned one of the exiled
priests to that land, who taught the people the worship of Jehovah,
which they added to their own worship of idols. 2 Kings 17 :24-33.
' When the tribe of Judah returned from its captivity, these people
desired to join with them in building the temple at Jerusalem,
which was refused. The Samaritans in consequence built a rival
temple at Mount Gerizim. Eternal enmity sprang up; greater
holiness was claimed for Mount Gerizim than for Jerusalem; the
Samaritans accused the Jews of corrupting God's Word. On the
other hand, the Jews called the Samaritans Cuthites, and forbade
all intercourse with them; to receive one into the house was to
bring down the curse of God.!
2/Note how carefully the Saviour led the mind of the woman,
not only to voluntarily confess her sinfulness, but to ask questions
for the enlightenment of her darkened mind. He precipitated
nothing, but let her open the way for the line of truth she sought
to receive.," A worthy lesson for many now who would make
assertions people are not prepared to receive.
3.,C'he relations of the sexes in that day, even in common life,
were very narrow and suspicious among the Jews. An unveiled
woman in public was counted immodest. For a rabbi to speak to
a woman publicly was highly indecent. The Talmud forbade it,
even though the woman was the rabbi's own wife. He could not
even greet her courteously1 The disciples, however, dared not
question the act of their Master, even though the woman with
whom He talked was a hated Samaritan sinner. He went so far
over the bounds of prescribed custom as to conclusively show that
true religion recognized no social difference between the sexes.
In Christ all are one.
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OLD KING TIME
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Signs of the Times
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• Selected Tracts for Use in Reading
Racks and General Circulation •
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SIGNS OF OUR TIMES
•
•
Without
Excuse, %c, B. S. L. No. 46
Great Day of the Lord,
2%c,
B. S. 1
4
. No.
65
God's Message for To-day, %..•.; B. S. L.
No. 81
Truth for the Times,
lc, B. S. L. No. 143
America's Crisis, 2c, B. S. L.
No. 138
Eastern Question,-1c, B. S. L.
No. 144
Alarm of War,
2c,
B. S. L.
No. 1.52
Wonders of the 19th Century,
2c,
B. S. L. No.
155
Heralds of His Coming,
1%c, A. G.
L.
No. 51
•
Winning
of
Margaret,
ic,
A. G. L.
No.
53
•
The Coming of Our Lord,
%c, A. G. L. No. 40
•
NATURE OF MAN
Thoughts for the Candid,
'Ac,
B. S.
L. No. 47
Tormented Forever and Ever, lc, B. S. L. No. 111
Rich flan and Lazarus, lc, B. S. L.
No. 146
Immortality of the Soul,
2c,
B. S. L.
No. 70
1
Is flan Immortal? ;Ac, B. S. L.
No. 51
•
1
Jesus and the Resurrection,
'Ac, A. G.
L. No. 42
The Thief on the Cross,
%c, A. G.
L.
No. 8
How Esther Read Her Bible, %c, A.
G. L.
No. 7
MILLENNIUM
Great Day of the Lord, 2%c, B. S. L. No.
65
1
Temporal Millennium, 11c, B. S. L.
No. 121
The Millennial Age, lc, B. S.
L. No. 136
Winning of Margaret, lc, A. G.
L. No. 53
The Kingdom of Christ, lc, B. S. L.
No. 119
Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, ic, B. S. 1
4
.
No. 127
i THIRD ANGEL'S FIESSAGE
God's Message for To-day, %c, B. S. L.
No. 81
•
•
The Great Threefold Message,
lc, A. G. L. No. 47
THE SABBATH
Elihu on the Sabbath, lc, B. S. L.
No. 42
Which Day Do You Keep?
1
/
2
c, B. S. L.
No. 48
From
Sabbath to Sunday,
4c,
B. S. L.
No. 95
Who Changed the Sabbath? ly,c
'
B. S. 14.
No. 107
•
Identical Seventh Day, ic,B. S. L. No.
114
•
New Testament Sabbath, 1c, B. S. L.
No. 137
Rome's Arraignment, lc, B. S. L.
No. 150
Sunday in the Greek,
c,
B. S. 1
4
.
No. 154
The Seventh or One-Seventh,
%c, A. G.
L.
No. 39
Historical Facts and Incidents,
2c, A. G. L. No.
45
Day of the Sabbath,
lc, A. G. L. No. 50
How the Sabbath Came to Me,
1%c, W.
of T. No.
2
•
Personal Questions and Answers,
13c, W.
of T.
No. 7
•
The Three Sabbaths, A. G.
1.1.
No. 58
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Heralds of the Morning
l
o
0
3
Such is the title of a book we are preparing
3
0
for the canvassing season of 1899.
Its whole object is to arouse people to the
a
fact that Christ is soon coming.
Et
To prove this, the author, Elder A. 0. Tait,
refers to signs which may be observed daily,
and which will therefore appeal to everyone
t
0
at a glance. .
a
t
0
Allow us to read a few
0
Chapter Titles
These chapters are based g
o
3
THE PREVALENCE OF CRIME A
n scriptures that compare
('
f
0
SIGN OF OUR TIMES
the last days with those of
Noah and Lot, and contain 210
3
THE EARTH IS FILLED WITH some startling statements
0
VIOLENCE
concerning the depth of vice
and crime into which our
C1/ THE SOCIAL VICE
world has fallen.
f THE GREAT DECEPTION
4
(
3
t
YE HAVE HEAPED TREASURE TOGETHER
4
11
t
o
FOR THE LAST DAYS is the title of a chapter devoted to
the labor question. This chapter will contain some thirty
0
illustrations showing scenes in sweat shops, in slums,
3
tenement houses, etc., etc.
;
0
The one chapter entitled "Judgment is Turned Away Backward"
a
contains enough in itself to undeceive anyone who thinks the world
0
is growing better.
Many others might be mentioned, such as "The Nations Are
"Voice
3 Angry,"
of the Elements," "Testimony of the Earth," etc.,
•
etc., but they all have the same aim—that of calling attention to the
ke signs of our times.
4
The illustrations are original, and strikingly illustrate the
(
1
11
thoughts of the author.
a
At this writing (Oct.
V)
we can not tell how large a book it will
A make, nor just when it will be ready, but we think the price will not
✓
exceed $1.50, and that it will be published early in 1899.
a
One thing we can say, however, and that is that "Heralds of the 13
Morning" will come as near selling itself as any book we have ever
published; because the signs of which it treats are growing daily
0 more apparent.
•
0
By the time this notice gets to you we will probably know the
t
3
exact date of publication. Please write for it.
I
0
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Publishers
a
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
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